England’s head coach Steve Borthwick has made a bold tactical move ahead of their crucial Six Nations clash against Italy by dropping Marcus Smith to the bench and selecting Elliot Daly at full-back. This decision has sparked intense debate among rugby fans and pundits, with some questioning the strategy while others see it as a necessary shake-up.
With Fin Smith taking the No. 10 jersey, Fraser Dingwall starting in midfield, and a revamped backline, England will be under pressure to deliver against a determined Italian side.
Here’s an in-depth look at the five biggest takeaways from England’s latest selection and what it means for the upcoming match.
1. Marcus Smith’s Drop to the Bench: A Tactical Shift or Loss of Confidence?
One of the biggest talking points is Borthwick’s decision to bench Marcus Smith, who has been England’s starting fly-half in recent matches. This move raises key questions:
Why was Marcus Smith dropped?
- Recent Performances Under Scrutiny: While Smith has displayed flashes of brilliance, England’s attack has lacked fluidity in recent games.
- Defensive Concerns: Smith is an attacking playmaker but defensive solidity has been a concern, especially against physical teams.
- Borthwick’s Pragmatic Approach: The England coach appears to favor a more structured game plan, which might explain the switch to Fin Smith at 10.
What It Means for the Game Against Italy
- Smith’s bench role suggests Borthwick wants him as an impact player rather than a starter.
- If England struggles to break Italy down, Smith could be introduced to bring creativity in the second half.
- This decision does not signal the end of Smith’s England career, but it does put him under pressure to prove his worth.
2. Elliot Daly at Full-Back: A Surprise but Logical Choice
For the first time in four years, Elliot Daly has been named England’s starting full-back, replacing Freddie Steward.
Why Elliot Daly at 15?
- Experience & Versatility: Daly brings a wealth of experience and a strong kicking game, which could be crucial against Italy’s territorial play.
- More Attacking Threat: Compared to Steward, Daly offers more attacking versatility, allowing England to adopt a more expansive approach.
- Defensive Reliability: Daly has played full-back at club level and is a reliable last line of defense.
Potential Risks
- Daly’s positional awareness at full-back may be tested by Italy’s high kicking game.
- If England’s defense is under pressure, Steward’s physical presence could be missed.
3. Fin Smith’s Big Opportunity at Fly-Half
With Marcus Smith on the bench, Fin Smith has been handed a golden opportunity to stake his claim as England’s long-term fly-half.
Why Fin Smith?
- Club Chemistry with Dingwall: Smith plays alongside Fraser Dingwall at Northampton Saints, which could help England’s midfield cohesion.
- Composure Under Pressure: Fin Smith is known for his calm decision-making, which aligns with Borthwick’s structured approach.
- Balanced Style of Play: Unlike Marcus Smith’s flair-based approach, Fin Smith brings a blend of control and attacking intent.
Challenges for Fin Smith
- Playing his first Six Nations start comes with immense pressure.
- He will need to control England’s attack while ensuring the team executes Borthwick’s structured game plan.
4. Fraser Dingwall’s Inclusion: A New Look Midfield
Another notable change is the inclusion of Fraser Dingwall at inside centre, replacing Henry Slade.
Why Dingwall Over Slade?
- Dingwall’s inclusion strengthens England’s defensive setup while adding direct running in midfield.
- His Northampton Saints connection with Fin Smith provides instant chemistry.
- Borthwick wants a more balanced centre partnership, with Dingwall expected to do the hard graft in attack and defense.
Potential Impact Against Italy
- If Dingwall and Ollie Lawrence (outside centre) combine well, England’s attack could look far more structured.
- He will need to prove his ability at international level to justify his selection over more experienced options.
5. England Must Prove Their Attack Can Deliver
Borthwick’s tenure has been characterized by defensive stability but attacking inconsistency. Against Italy, England must prove they can be clinical and dominant.
Key Areas for England to Improve
- Faster Ball Movement: England’s attack has looked lethargic at times—this must change.
- Clinical Finishing: Converting pressure into tries will be crucial.
- Exploiting Italy’s Weaknesses: Italy’s defense can be exposed out wide—England should look to stretch the field.
What This Means for England’s Six Nations Hopes
England needs a big win against Italy to stay in contention for the Six Nations title. With Ireland and France looking strong, England cannot afford another inconsistent performance.
Possible Outcomes Against Italy:
- England dominate and win convincingly → Borthwick’s changes are justified.
- A scrappy, unconvincing win → More questions than answers about England’s attack.
- An upset loss to Italy → A disaster that could force a rethink in selection.
With several new combinations in the starting XV, England’s performance in this match will be scrutinized heavily.
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Final Thoughts: England’s Selection Gamble Must Pay Off
Borthwick’s decision to drop Marcus Smith, start Fin Smith, and bring in Daly at full-back signals a clear tactical shift. These changes could either revitalize England’s attack or create more uncertainty.
With the pressure mounting in the Six Nations, England must deliver against Italy. A dominant performance could justify these changes, but anything less will only fuel criticism.
Can England’s new-look team deliver? We’ll find out when they take on Italy in what promises to be a defining Six Nations clash.
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